Not AOL but sounds like similar type of environment kind of far out large company.

PS, OP, if you were at AOL, while it's a good company, (and I've worked there myself), it's not THAT amazing ("Tier 1") and it's the only place I've found where people expect a lot the same perks/titles when they moved on to other companies for what's actually a limited perspective on the working world. Also, people tended not to leave because they lived in Loudoun County and it was hard to accept jobs that are closer to DC, especially east of Tysons.

More than 10 years with a company can indicate a bit of complacency, and not necessarily the most ambitious person. not saying it's always the case, just the perception.

I don't think you should start with your undergrad and grad universities, although you could. I would start with your most recent connections --people who know your work who have gone on to work for other local companies. They don't even have to be companies you want to work for, just network/have coffee or call or email with them, tell them what you're looking for, and ask them for advice/any openings or suggestions they know of. Also consider it interview practice, or at least "talking about yourself in a professional way" practice.

Anonymous wrote:I agree that a headhunter might be helpful, depending on your field, but sometimes they have the hard-to-fill jobs for a reason.

Also, in twenty years at one company, I would still hope you've had career progression and taken on more responsibility over the years. That needs to be CLEARLY spelled out on your resume as different jobs, or else you will look pretty bad to employers. I've heard from headhunters that their biggest red flags are candidates with less than 1 year at a company or more than 10.

Definitely had lots of career progression. Just curious why are people with more than 10 years experience red flags? Does it matter that the company that I work for is in tech? It is not easy to hold onto a job here unless you are very good. There have been several large layoffs that I've survived( 2000 time frame). Since then poor peformers are shown the door. I worked in 6 different groups so it is not like I've done the same thing for 20 years. I will reach out at start networking. I think the first thing I will start with are my undergraduate and graduate universities. Maybe I should set a goal and try to reach out for about an hour a day. People who haven't worked for the same company for 20 years are headhunters helpful? Also what do you think about posting to job boards? Do Tier 1 employers look there? I currently work for a Tier 1/2 company.

during the workday, can you meet with connections in your field at other companies, over lunch or coffee? That's the way I would do it.

I agree that a headhunter might be helpful, depending on your field, but sometimes they have the hard-to-fill jobs for a reason.

Also, in twenty years at one company, I would still hope you've had career progression and taken on more responsibility over the years. That needs to be CLEARLY spelled out on your resume as different jobs, or else you will look pretty bad to employers. I've heard from headhunters that their biggest red flags are candidates with less than 1 year at a company or more than 10.

OP, I have to say that your attitude is very important here. You sound defeatist even before you really have started. "I can't go very far and there's nothing out there and I haven't been on an interview in 10 years"

You have to start informational interviewing. This will take time. You have to prioritize this over other things right now..kids activities, etc. You may have to take some time off from work for this to do interviews.

What are some companies you'd like to work for, ideally? Start researching who you know at those companies, and meet with them or even st up a call with them.

DH just found a job by applying through an online posting with a major company - didnt know anyone there. Just keep applying and talk to some recruiters.

Headhunters might work, depending on your field, so make sure to call them, keep an eye on online jobs, but you're not likely to find a job that way unless you have exceptionally rare skills. Most of those jobs have thousands of applicants, or have already been filled (or the candidates selected) by the time they are posted online. But you never know. I have a friend who found a job through an online posting. The HR person at her new workplace told her she was the only person she'd ever heard of at the company who found a job that way!! So it can happen.

Networking is probably your best avenue, but it's lengthy. You can do it slowly, though. Make some contacts, tell people you are looking and what you are looking for, ask for more contacts, and take it from there. Way leads onto way, and pretty soon you'll find the right job at the right company. There are no shortcuts, though. These days, you HAVE to know someone at the company to get an offer. What about parents at your kids schools? Network with them for starters? Other employees who have left your workplace -- call them and set up informational interviews. What about your spouse's network? Your neighbors? Any groups you belong to? DH is job hunting, and he's gotten great leads from volunteering at our child's school. No job yet, but pretty close. It will happen OP, but you've got to take a little time to network, especially if you want a job close to home.

Sounds like it's time for you to meet up with some headhunters. They will find a job for you (you don't pay them - the company that hires you pays them based on a percentage of the salary they offer you).

I know you haven't gotten any bites yet, but sometimes it moves fast. Get your interview outfit ready. And by "ready" I mean go buy one, because you can not use the one used in 1993.

I've worked for the same company for twenty years and I am not happy anymore with the situation. I haven't been on an interview in a decade. I'm trying to keep my job search very local to be close to the kids. Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of opportunities in my neck of the woods. I haven't done any networking. When I come home I spend hours with my kids on homework. Weekends are cleaning the house and taking the kids to activities. I can't afford to make a mistake. What are some successful job search strategies that aren't too time consuming? I submitted my resume to a few jobs on Indeed and have yet to land an interview. How many jobs should I expect to apply to to land an interview? I have a LinkedIn profile now with 100 connections. Any other advice?